Malta needs a long-term population strategy centred on people, not numbers

On World Population Day, whose 2026 theme is “Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people – today and for the future,” Momentum believes Malta must have an honest national conversation about population growth and the country’s long-term vision.

In 2025 Malta received 32,744 new immigrants legally that contributed to a net increase of 13,906 people on the islands.

The latest National Statistics Office figures show that Malta’s population continues to grow rapidly, driven by legal migration. These statistics represent people who have chosen to live in Malta for at least a few years. Today, nearly one out of three Maltese residents are foreign. It is therefore, imperative for Malta to have a strategy for managing population growth in such a way that all residents benefit from it. 

Natasha Azzopardi, executive member of Momentum said, “What do we want Malta to become in the next 20 or 30 years? What population can our islands sustainably support? Are we planning for the infrastructure, public services and environmental protection that such growth requires, or are we simply reacting to events as they unfold? A responsible government should be able to answer these questions.”

Our healthcare system, schools, transport network, police force, courts and other public services are already under significant pressure. Housing affordability continues to deteriorate, while traffic congestion, pollution and the loss of open spaces increasingly affect people’s quality of life. Population growth without strategic planning risks placing even greater strain on these essential services.

Azzopardi said, “Malta also needs a serious integration policy that helps newcomers become part of our communities while respecting the country’s laws, language, values and cultural identity. Strong communities are built through inclusion, mutual respect and shared responsibility”.

Every worker deserves dignity. They contribute to our economy and society and deserve fair wages, decent accommodation, safe working conditions and protection from exploitation. Malta should not have a system where vulnerable workers are treated as disposable labour or subjected to conditions that resemble modern-day exploitation.

Momentum calls on the Government to develop a comprehensive National Population Strategy based on expert advice, broad public consultation and measurable long-term objectives. Such a strategy should assess Malta’s sustainable population capacity, identify the infrastructure and public services required for future growth, strengthen integration policies, protect workers from exploitation and place the wellbeing of both present and future generations at its centre.

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